Robbie Keane has admitted he may need surgery to cure a persistent achilles problem. The 33-year-old Republic of Ireland captain will not start Tuesday night's friendly against Poland in Poznan despite delaying a visit to a specialist to make the trip.

However, with his season over in the United States he will keep an appointment next week, when he will discover whether an operation is required.

Asked if he may need surgery, the Los Angeles Galaxy striker said: "It is kind of looking like that but I won't know for definite until Monday. But there is definitely something that will have to be done and that is likely to be it." O'Neill is yet to select a replacement captain – he hinted that the defender John O'Shea may get the nod if he starts – and will make changes as he attempts to run the rule over as many of his squad members as possible.